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Terms of reference: Coalition for Inclusive Education

The Coalition for Inclusive Education is a coalition of organisations and experts who are committed to reforming the education system in Northern Ireland to be inclusive of all pupils, staff, and parents - regardless of religion or belief.

What do we mean by inclusive education?

When we use the term ‘inclusive education’, we mean an educational environment which is not segregated and intentionally strives to include the religion or belief, cultural and social identities of all, enabling pupils to learn with and from each other.

Further, we mean education according to a curriculum that is objective, critical, and pluralistic, and is designed to cultivate open-mindedness alongside an appreciation of shared values and interdependence.

In sum, it is an education that treats all learners with dignity and respect, and so is suitable for all.

Supporters

The Coalition is a network of individuals and organisations committed to creating an inclusive education system in Northern Ireland. Supporters are defined as those who sign up to our communications.

Members

Members are those who have explicitly signed up to the aims of the Coalition including those involved in our steering group and wider Coalition. New members must be approved by the steering group.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee sets the strategic objectives of the Coalition and oversees its work. It provides advice and expertise on key matters of concern.

The Steering Committee is made up of education professionals, membership organisations, and various interested parties including advisors.

Current members of the Committee include representatives from:

• the Interfaith Forum

• Belfast Islamic Centre

• Northern Ireland Humanists

• the Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality

• education professionals from Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, and Stranmillis University College, whose field of work centres on religion in schools

• human rights solicitors Phoenix Law

Additionally, Robert Cann, Education Campaigns Manager for Humanists UK, and Dr Ruth Wareham, of the Accord Coalition, hold advisory positions.

Communication

Regular emails are sent to supporters signed up to our mailing list.

These contain details of collective and individual actions that can be taken by supporters in the upcoming weeks. Emails with urgent actions can be sent in addition to regular emails.

All emails will be drafted and prepared by the communications lead, and receive a proof and policy check from appointed steering committee individuals.

Social media

The steering committee has a member (or a job-share) who is responsible for managing a branded Facebook and Twitter page. Content for this page can include:

• Links to upcoming events, current campaigns, goals, or research

• Updates on what has been happening within the group, e.g. sharing stories

• Calls to action on a particular campaign, goal, or piece of research